Influence of bandwidth error on the performance of adaptive optics systems for uncooperative beacons: plane wave and spherical wave analysis

We discuss the capability of adaptive optics to increase the performance of laser systems operating in atmospheric turbulence. Our approach is based on the Zernike filter functions, Taylor’s frozen flow hypothesis and bandwidth limitations of a realistic servo control system. System performance is analyzed in terms of the Strehl ratio on target. Our results indicate that adaptive optics can be effective even when engaging fast moving targets and that moderate closed-loop bandwidths of ~100 Hz would suffice for most analyzed scenarios. Applications of interest are beam delivery systems and free space optical communications.